Cancer charity to invest £5 million in research in the region

CHARITY chiefs today unveil plans for £5 million investment in cancer research in the region.

Yorkshire Cancer Research said it would put the cash towards key projects as it marks its 90th anniversary.

Grants will be given to experts to improve understanding of root causes behind the illness and develop strategies to reduce cases and cut death rates.

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Early deaths from the illness in Yorkshire are higher than the national average. Figures show that if outcomes were the same as the rest of England, more than 1,000 lives could be saved each year.

The charity’s chief executive officer Charles Rowett said: “We are extremely excited to announce this special investment, made possible thanks to the incredible support of local people.

“It is a significant step forward in the development of our new research strategy to go ‘beyond the laboratory’ so we can make an even greater impact on cancer outcomes in our region.”

The charity is inviting researchers to apply for funding in five key areas, which include understanding the Yorkshire cancer landscape and health inequalities, improving awareness and prevention of cancer, and enhancing screening and early diagnosis. The charity is also looking to increase the number of clinical trials involving novel cancer treatments, and learn more about the quality of life of cancer patients.

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Charity trustee Yvette Oade, chief medical officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Cancer outcomes across Yorkshire show significant differences which may be the result of variations in cancer screening uptake, access to treatments and the availability of clinical trials.”